Mario the Maker Magician to perform Oct. 19 in Fredonia

By ecarlson, Oct 10, 2017

FREDONIA – The village of Fredonia is about to become a little more magical. In celebration of the second annual Fredonia Mini Maker Faire, the world-renowned Mario “The Maker Magician” will be performing at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m.

Mario is a magician unlike any other. By creating all of his own props and tricks, he hand-makes every aspect of his show. Mario’s show includes cutting-edge technology styled in a vaudeville-meets-punk-rock fashion pulling inspiration from magicians such as The Great George Carl and Bill Irwin. With the help from Marcel, the robotic monkey, Mario uses a combination of slapstick comedy and high-tech magic tricks to engage his audience.

“The idea is to get kids to react in a positive way, it’s not just about electronics to me, it’s about how to I perform these electronic in a way where kids react,” says Mario. “Where they laugh, and want to make it [magic] themselves.”

Mario has performed at Maker Faires all over the country. Maker Faires are family oriented festivals that highlight people who are creators, be that sewers, masons, engineers, scientists, or cooks. By showcasing their talents with the community, Makers have the opportunity to teach people of all ages about their trade.

Proceeds from the Oct. 19 performance will support the Fredonia Mini Maker Faire. Tickets cost $8 for adults and $5 for children. The second annual Fredonia Mini Maker Faire – a free, family friendly event open to the public — is slated Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017 on the campus of The State University of New York at Fredonia from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mario will also host two free performances during the Fredonia Mini Maker Faire.

For Mario, performing at Maker Faires is just the beginning of what he hopes to accomplish.

“That’s a goal for me with Maker Faire, not just performing a magic show, but what happens after the magic show is over,” says Mario, adding he hopes his audiences’ biggest takeaway from his show is the desire to create something of their own.

The path to becoming a magician was full of twists and turns for Mario. At age 17 he hitchhiked around the United States, met many different people along the way, and learned as much as he could from them. From cutting hair to working in a floral shop, Mario’s career has been built on learning from others, and a creative drive.

Tickets for Mario “The Maker Magician” are on sale now at The 1891 Fredonia Opera House and via its website at www.fredopera.org. Tickets can be reserved by calling the ticket office at (716) 679-1891 or purchased at the door with checks or cash. For more information about Mario, check out his website at mariothemagician.com.

The Fredonia Mini Maker Faire is produced by Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES and The State University of New York at Fredonia in cooperation with MAKE Magazine and additional sponsors.